A Long-running Tradition
Half Marathon and 5K Race Weekend benefits The Seaside School, Inc.
The Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K Race Weekend is slated for Feb. 17-19, 2023. Now in its 21st year, the Race Weekend, over its long history, has become one of the top grossing fundraisers in Northwest Florida. Drawing participants from all over the country, the event supports The Seaside School, Inc., one of the first and now the oldest operating public charter school in Florida.
“It’s an exciting time for The Seaside School, as we are the No. 1 ranked combination charter school in Florida and, in partnership with Northwest Florida State College, we are working to expand the Seacoast Collegiate High School campus and program offerings,”said Teresa Horton, executive director of the Seaside School Foundation. “We are so excited to welcome runners near and far to the Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K in 2023!”
The three-day charity Race Weekend kicks off with the coastal cuisine event, Taste of the Race, on Friday night; proceeds to a fun-for-all-ages Race Expo on Saturday and culminates on Sunday morning with the running of the half marathon and 5K along iconic Scenic Highway 30A. The out-and-back race courses start and finish in Seaside.
“As an iconic New Urbanism town that celebrates vitality, walkability and a thriving downtown filled with unique merchants, it’s only fitting that we have the opportunity to showcase a premier race event that ultimately benefits one of our most beloved members of our community, the Seaside School, Inc.,” said Pam Avera, the vice president and general manager of the Seaside Community Development Corp. “Watching the school successfully expand to a 5th through 12th program and rank as one of the top schools in the state alongside the success of the Town of Seaside has been a pleasure. It only adds to the vision of our town’s founders, Robert and Daryl Davis.”
All funds raised during Race Weekend will benefit The Seaside School Foundation, which supports the operating budget for Seaside Neighborhood School and Seacoast Collegiate High School. The Seaside School, Inc., is a tuition-free, public charter school serving students across Walton County. Last year, the 2022 race raised proceeds totaling more than $700,000.
“This fundraiser has become a part of our school culture, an opportunity for our students to put ‘The Seaside Way’ into action,” said Kim Mixson, chief academic officer of The Seaside School, Inc., and principal of Seaside Neighborhood School. “Our students, parents and staff look forward to being a part of race weekend every year, and we are truly grateful for the impact that it has on our school.”
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Registration cost for the 5K is $95 and the half marathon is $125. The races are presented by Visit South Walton. A $20 discount is available to military personnel and first responders with proof of active military identification cards, honorable discharge papers or police/firefighter/EMT identification cards. Please email documents before registering to race@runseasidefl.com to receive a discount code. This discount is not redeemable for cash value.
Race registrants will receive the following items with their registration: a Vera Bradley® Grand Tote in Plum Pansies, a virtual goody bag full of surprises, an iconic race shirt designed by Billie Gaffrey, a customized playlist. Half-marathon finishers will receive our unique finisher medal.
WEEKEND EVENT DETAILS
The 21st annual charity Race Weekend will kick off on Friday, Feb. 17 with an evening under the stars at the official race pre-party, Taste of the Race. Party-goers can attend this delicious Seaside party that features local chefs and restaurateurs competing for culinary awards including the coveted Chef’s Choice Award, last year won by Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs operated by the Dawson Group, and the People’s Choice Award, won by The Red Bar.
On Saturday, Feb. 18, runners are invited to pick up their race packets at the Seaside Neighborhood School and enjoy the Expo taking place in the Seaside Lyceum.
The race weekend comes to a crescendo with the half marathon (13.1 miles) starting at 6:45 a.m. and the 5K (3.1 miles) at 7:05 a.m, on Sunday, Feb. 19.
“The race is the most significant event in the life of our school, as it provides the necessary financial support for the incredible opportunities that Seacoast students participate in,” said Caroline Beer, a Seacoast Collegiate High School student and Student Government Association co-president. “We anticipate this year’s race as another chance to come together with the younger students from Seaside Neighborhood School to make an impact in our community and keep our schools thriving for decades to come.”
Registration options can be found at runseasidefl.com.
